The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) is among the most consequential forces of the 21st century: AI and related technologies are already transforming economies, challenging legal and political norms, and reconfiguring society. Government entities attempting to navigate this era must adapt regulatory regimes, social safety nets, policies, taxation, and foreign affairs as digital technologies continue to reshape labor markets, the industrial structure, the distribution of economic rewards, the global balance of power, and even the mechanics of government itself. 

The Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) tailored this government education program specifically for the U.S. General Services Administration’s AI Community of Practice to explore the latest in AI developments, equipping participants with knowledge needed to think critically about implementing and governing this emerging technology

Understanding the impact of AI on society is a multi-faceted enterprise that requires drawing on knowledge from computer science, economics, law, political science, psychology, and a host of other disciplines. To this end, this program draws upon the knowledge of multidisciplinary AI experts in academia, as well as leaders and case studies from civil society and industry. 

No technical knowledge of AI is required for this program. 

Peter Norvig: "What is AI?" | AI 101

October 6, 2022 | 12:00pm-1:00am ET

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not comprised of a single technology, but many. Moreover, the AI technologies that we see being deployed around the world today vary widely in their core features, capabilities, and use potential. This course provides a birds eye view of the AI landscape, key subjects, and variations that are important for all to understand. Topics include machine learning, deep learning and neural networks, computer vision, natural language processing, supervised and unsupervised learning, compute power, narrow versus general AI, among others.

Jen King: "Issues In Privacy and AI" | Responsible AI (bias, privacy, and ethics in AI)

Alyce Adams: “Ethics/Equity and AI”

October 11, 2022 | 12:00pm-1:00am ET

AI designers face enormous challenges in  acquiring data, training of AI technologies, deploying AI, and addressing the biases in data (and their non-obvious proxies) within their AI systems. Moreover, different social values around privacy, data ownership, and data creation will impact what AI technologies are possible today and what the future paths of innovation in AI will look like. In Part I, Dr. King takes us through key privacy questions around AI in the U.S. and for government agencies. In Part II, Dr. Adams introduces some of the key ethical questions around AI, using healthcare as an example to help us think deeper about many of the ways ethical and equity questions arise when using AI.

Melissa Valentine: “Bringing AI Into Your Organization”

October 13, 2022 | 12:00pm-1:00am ET

What forms of leadership and organization thrive in an AI-driven world-- and which fail? What must senior leadership consider when maximizing innovation potential across an enterprise? This session takes a deep dive in how organizational leaders use AI to transform their businesses, what can go wrong when they do, and how to avoid those pitfalls. We will discuss the technical opportunity space for AI-powered uses, how to lead development with AI in the loop, how organization design needs to adapt to support integration of AI products, case studies of successes and failures, and how to think through and avoid negative ethical and societal outcomes.

Michael Bernstein: “Human-Centered Design in AI”

October 18, 2022 | 12:00pm-1:00am ET

The Human-Centered AI framework bridges the gap between ethics and practice with tools for making successful technologies that augment, amplify, empower, and enhance humans rather than replace them. This shift in thinking could lead to a safer, more understandable, and more manageable future. A human-centered approach will reduce the prospects for out-of-control technologies, calm fears of robot-driven unemployment, and diminish the threats to privacy and security. A human-centered

future will also support human values, respect human dignity, and raise appreciation for the human capacities that bring creative discoveries and inventions. This session is meant to guide attendees in shifting toward language, imagery, and ideas that advance a human-centered approach. 

Dan Ho: "Use Cases in Government" | Where do you apply AI?

October 20, 2022 | 12:00pm-1:00am ET

The U.S. government is in great need of a technological upgrade. From streamlining administrative processes to providing personalized services to constituents, there is ample opportunity for AI to help government agencies achieve their missions. However, integrating AI into the government is not as easy as obtaining and deploying the technology. Talent, infrastructure, public trust, and morale play equally important roles in ensuring the successful modernization of government. This session will dive into several current use-cases of AI in government, the challenges and successes of these cases, and how to improve the integration of new technologies that will help the government serve its citizens.